Elin

Hiya! I’m Elin, and I'm in my final year studying English Literature at the University of Edinburgh. I’m originally from Cardiff so I don't get home too often, which means I miss our three cats more than anything when I'm in Edinburgh. I’m super keen to see all kinds of pets (especially all kinds of cats) - whether it's just quick food visits, hanging out and giving them some fuss, or overnights too. I just really love animals, they're the best company. As mentioned, we have three cats at home, but we also used to have two guinea pigs and I was a dog walker for a year during pre-honours - basically, I’m happy to meet any kind of pet! Sadly my uni workload has increased so I can't commit to dogs every single day, but more uni work just means I could do with more stress-busting pet cuddles though, so please let me meet your pets!

I live in a second floor flat which I share with four other pet-loving students, so indoor pets are very welcome to stay. They can have the run of the flat if they'd like company, or just hang out in my room if they're not so sociable. For non-caged animals (like a cat who'd have free-reign of our flat), I would prefer if their first visit was under two weeks, just in case there are any teething issues re: us hanging out together. Sadly dogs cannot come and stay at my flat as one of my flatmates is allergic, but I really miss getting out and dog walking so I'd definitely be up for home visits and home overnights - a long weekend hanging out with a good dog is the dream. I do have my own commitments (university, volunteering, netball etc.) so although I would do my best to arrange for one of my flatmates to hang out with them, any pets staying at my flat would need to be okay with spending a short amount of time on their own just in case I have something scheduled that I can't shift. I'm always keen to meet you and your furry (scaley? feathered?) friend beforehand, to learn a bit about you both and what suits you guys. Please get in touch :)

Summary of services:

-Pet holidays at my flat for indoor pets only. Will do my best to help with pick ups and drop offs, but I do not have access to a car whilst at uni. It shows up as dog boarding on the pawshake listing as the options are limited, but I cannot host dogs - small, indoor pets only (e.g. cat, rabbit, hamster). First visits for non-caged pets should be under two weeks.

-Short overnight stays at your property for pets who need a little more company e.g. if you're away for the weekend and a dog or cat isn't keen on kennels. I would base myself at your property and spend as much time there as I am available during the day (would only leave to attend a lecture and then come straight back to hang out with your pet).

-Home visits for feeding and company of indoor pets (around 30-45 minutes per visit, depending on the needs of your pet). E.g. if an independent cat would like to be fed and then ignore my existence, I won’t bother them when I’m not wanted. I can also take dogs on 20 minute-ish walks. I can visit once a day to anywhere within about 30 minutes walk of the meadows, or along a bus route that’s easily accessible from Tollcross. I’m happy to visit twice a day too if you live near Tollcross.

-For home visits longer than 60 minutes, please select house sitting as the pawshake listing options are limited. I'm happy to hang out with pets for the evening, including longer dog walks and feeding. Please include as much detail as possible in your first message (dates, times, excitability of your pet etc.) so I have enough information to decide accurately whether I am available to help or not

-Sitting on the sofa with a sociable cat whilst I work on an essay is a very different experience to an evening with a boistrous puppy, and depending on the demands of my course at particular points in term I may be unable to provide the attention your pet deserves and have to decline.

-Dogs are not able to visit or stay at my flat.

- If a pet is going to visit my flat they will definitely have to deal with my boyfriend, who’s a fourth year veterinary student. They will also probably have to endure endless attention from my flatmates, who are two English students and two history students. All love pets, so the more sociable the better!

I'm currently not able to take bookings between the 16th December and 10th January as usually during this time I go home for Christmas. This might change though, depends on the Scottish Government's decisions re: student travel